Oyo abduction: Police warn against fake reports

The Oyo State Police Command has warned against the spread of misinformation capable of undermining ongoing efforts to rescue pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area, dismissing reports that a pastor was arrested for allegedly supplying arms and ammunition to the kidnappers.

The command described the reports, circulating on some online platforms and social media, as false, misleading and unfounded.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ayanlade Olayinka, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, said a Facebook post alleged that a pastor was arrested for acting as a gunrunner for the kidnappers but failed to identify the cleric by name or provide any verifiable details.

The police said no such arrest had been made by the command or any other security agency participating in the ongoing rescue operation.

“The attention of the Oyo State Police Command has been drawn to false and misleading reports circulating across some media outlets, online publications and a Facebook post alleging that a pastor was arrested for supplying arms and ammunition to individuals involved in the abduction of students and teachers in Oriire.

“The Command wishes to categorically state that this claim is entirely false, misleading and unfounded. The Facebook post, which did not mention the name or address of the pastor, further claimed that the cleric was a gunrunner for the bandits.

“However, the Command wishes to state that no such arrest has been made by the Police or any other known security agency involved in the ongoing rescue operation, and investigation is ongoing,” the statement read.

The police said the publication appeared designed to divert attention from ongoing efforts to rescue the abducted victims while undermining public confidence in security agencies.

“The Command views this publication as a deliberate attempt to distract security operatives from ongoing rescue efforts and to cast doubt on the integrity, commitment and professionalism of personnel working tirelessly to ensure the safe return of the victims,” the statement added.

The command urged members of the public to disregard the report and rely only on information released through its verified communication channels.

It also warned individuals and media platforms against spreading unverified information capable of jeopardising security operations.

“Members of the public are therefore advised to disregard the false report and rely only on official updates issued through verified channels of the Oyo State Police Command.

“Furthermore, individuals and platforms involved in the deliberate spread of false information are warned to desist, as the Command will not hesitate to invoke all lawful means to identify, investigate, arrest and prosecute anyone found culpable of disseminating misinformation capable of undermining public confidence and ongoing security operations,” the statement added.

The police reaffirmed their commitment to securing the safe rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers while maintaining law and order across Oyo State.

“The Oyo State Police Command remains committed to ensuring the safe rescue of the abducted victims and maintaining public safety across the state,” the statement added.